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Under The Wire

Friday, December 14, 2007

Microsoft launched for its US-only costumers Windows Feedback Program to improve user experience by observing their behavior.

Is this a good deal for the user?

Pros

You'll get a Windows or Office license for free

Microsoft guys will take a look at your behavior and probably next versions of Windows will fit better your habits

Cons

You have a software that looks what you're doing

I think that in this case pros are truly convenient (you're getting free licenses) and cons are simply an excess of paranoia.

Since you're using closed-source software you can't be 100% sure that it isn't yet looking at your data. You only have to trust Microsoft. Since they have control over your Operating System, they just don't need to give you a license to make you install a spyware-like software.

It seems that many Windows users liked this initiative that in the first few hours went sold out, so people who join the program now can't get the license.

Is it really worth it?

Tciddaniw's opinion: I have a few points here

How can you trust Microsoft? Is the company known for its loyalty?! I don't think so!

You should never sell your privacy... and certainly not for an Office license! Seriously: why don't you get OpenOffice (Windows and Linux) or NeoOffice (Mac)?

The initiative isn't clear: as reported here, you can still sign up but you won't get any license! No, thanks!